Arizona next to propose GM labeling

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Advocates for GMO labeling are getting another shot in the Arizona Legislature. Six representatives submitted a bill to require food containing even just one genetically engineered ingredient be labeled as such.

Modeled after Vermont’s legislation, HB 2462 will also prohibit manufacturers from advertising GMO products as “all natural.” (Prepared food would be exempt from labeling.)

State Representative Juan Mendez, the bill’s primary author, says it’s about consumer protection. “Saying no to labeling means I don’t think I should have the choice to know what I’m consuming,” Mendez tells New Times. He says this initiative isn’t different from requiring manufacturers to list nutrition facts and ingredients because it’s just stating the facts, not making a value or safety judgment.

Arizona is not alone in considering GMO-labeling legislation. According to the Center for Food Safety, more than 30 states have introduced bills and three have passed laws: Connecticut and Maine approved laws with trigger clauses, meaning they won’t go into effect until more states pass similar laws, and Vermont’s labeling law will take effect next year.

“Corporations should be proud of their products,” says Mendez. “So what does it tell me as a consumer if a corporation wants to hide that information?”

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